Economic sabotage! President Ruto’s Sh1.1bn Busia water project vandalised
Part of a Sh1.1 billion water project in Teso, Busia county, commissioned by President William Ruto in January, has been vandalised.
The vandals broke pipes that carried water from the Malaba-Malakisi water supply and sanitation project in Malakisi, Teso North subcounty.
No one has been arrested.
Leaders have widely condemned the tragedy, calling for comprehensive investigations.
They regarded the vandalism as a kind of economic sabotage.
The impacted towns in Teso North are Kocholya, Amagoro, and Malaba.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya has urged Busia Governor Paul Otuoma to guarantee that locals have access to water.
He added it was ironic that many residents still did not have access to water after the project’s unveiling.
County assembly deputy speaker Ronald Ochalu and Water Committee chairman Isaac Wamalwa asked both levels of government to act quickly and rebuild the water supply pipe to restore water flow.
The Malaba Central MCA stated that the Busia government must find alternate solutions to the ongoing water shortages.
Ochalu stated that there is a need to educate locals on peaceful cohabitation and the preservation of public resources.
Wamalwa accused Busia Water and Sewerage Company of laxity in carrying out its duties.
He noted the delayed repair of burst pipes in Amagoro town.
In its 2023-2024 budget, the Busia government set aside Sh30 million for last-mile electrical connectivity.
Otuoma encouraged the county to boost the allocation to Sh100 million in the 2024-2025 budget.
He blamed Buwasco’s corruption and mismanagement for the county’s poor water service performance.
Water chief Andrew Meso stated that the department, in collaboration with investigative agencies, is investigating the vandalism.
He stated that his agency has budgeted Sh150 million to rebuild two water supply schemes in Sisenye and Port Victoria.
Meso stated he will hire a new managing director, technical manager, and commercial manager for Buwasco.
Teso North deputy county commissioner Stephen Wambura has issued a strong warning against vandalism.
Ruto announced the initiative on January 21.
The project, which generates six million litres of water per day, supplies Malaba, Malakisi, Mt-Elgon, Bungoma, Busia, Ang’urai, and Kimaiti.
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Economic sabotage! President Ruto’s Sh1.1bn Busia water project vandalised
